Every industrial development plan that crosses Lawrence Xi’s desk carries a crucial question: How can we build what Singapore needs while caring for the environment? As a Planner in JTC’s Environmental Planning & Design Unit, he navigates the delicate balance between industrial growth and environmental stewardship — establishing sustainable design standards that let both industry and nature flourish.

We chatted with Lawrence to learn how his love for urban planning and sustainability drives his work and scholarship journey at JTC.

How did you first get interested in urban planning and sustainable design?

I remember a defining moment when Dr Liu Thai Ker, a key figure in Singapore’s housing and urban planning, gave a lecture at my junior college. I was captivated by how he spoke about public housing, neighbourhood design, and Singapore’s Long-Term and Master Plans. I vividly remember that moment in the lecture hall when I aspired to be a part of shaping Singapore’s urban planning future.

My interest in landscape architecture developed later at university and during internships with JTC, where I saw how public spaces like Pancras Square in London and Our Tampines Hub in Singapore used greenery and water features to create inviting spaces for people to slow down and connect. I was also fascinated by how plants could be both aesthetically beautiful and functional — providing shade, colour, and life to the surroundings.

For readers who may not be familiar, could you explain what landscape architecture is and why it matters in city planning?

Landscape architecture is the study of how people and the environment interact. By environment, I mean elements like flora, fauna, topography, and both rural and urban spaces. Cities are built by and for people, so landscape architecture is important in city planning, especially in dense urban environments like Singapore, to design better public spaces, protect natural habitats, and address urban issues like the Urban Heat Island effect and flood risk.

What made you decide to apply for the JTC Full-Term Scholarship?

I was reading a news article about JTC’s TimMac@Kranji development when it was first announced and was inspired by the planning involved to cluster metal, machinery and timber companies together to catalyse future redevelopment. Along with One-North, I realised how JTC was pushing the boundaries of urban planning and design, which convinced me to be part of a team that plans and designs with innovation in mind.

How did studying abroad shape your approach to work today?

The urban planning degree at University College London offered wide coverage of topics like urban design, project management, and planning history. Through various projects, I saw that sustainable design is multifaceted — it must balance economic viability, environmental benefits, and value to the community. One project with community-led organisations in County Durham showed how planning can empower people and preserve the region’s industrial heritage.

Studying and living in Sheffield had the biggest impact on how I view sustainability and environmental design. As a post-industrial city with a strong culture of sustainable living, much of our curriculum was focused on rejuvenating former industrial districts and bringing nature back into cities. These are lessons I’ve carried into my work at JTC, especially in redeveloping older estates like Sungei Kadut.

In what ways did the scholarship shape your journey?

The scholarship gave me opportunities to intern across different departments in JTC. I worked on information panels for Seletar Aerospace Park for the Singapore Institute of Planners’ Planning Awards and refined Urban Design Guidelines together with my colleagues.

Through these internships, I sought my colleagues’ advice on how to best align my interests in environmental design with JTC’s future direction. This helped me decide to pursue a postgraduate degree in Landscape Architecture.

My supervisors also encouraged me to intern with Henning Larsen, a renowned Landscape Architecture firm, where I worked on the design of landscape elements for Punggol Digital District and CleanTech projects. This gave me a better appreciation of how JTC integrates planting and materials into estate design.

What’s the most rewarding part of designing spaces that work for both people and nature?

One of our key priorities is to create ‘Industry in Nature’, promoting harmony between Singapore’s developmental needs and environmental conservation.

Finding this balance can be challenging, but I feel a sense of achievement when people spot wildlife in our JTC developments and estates. Seeing wildlife frequently visit our industrial estates indicates that we’re creating some form of habitat and ecological links.

Tell us about a project that really stood out to you!

Jurong Island Pond is a personal favourite that was designed by our JTC engineers in collaboration with Professor Herbert Dreiseitl. While the project is a testbed for flood resilience using nature-based design principles, it has also created a habitat frequented by a variety of birds. My team had the opportunity to visit the pond recently, and we were impressed by its scale and richness of biodiversity in the middle of a petrochemical hub!

What excites you most about Singapore’s push towards greener industrial estates and infrastructure?

In the past, industrial estates were viewed as large built-up areas dominated by concrete and metal, creating a fragmentation with the surrounding natural environment. I am excited to see how Singapore’s greener industrial estates can coexist with biodiversity, protecting or creating new habitats for wildlife, while allowing people to enjoy the benefits of nature right at their doorstep.

Any tips for students aspiring to a JTC Scholarship?

JTC is full of passionate teams who care about building a better Singapore. It is a fast-paced organisation leading the way in Singapore’s industrial development. If you’re ready to lead the change and be at the forefront of industrial planning in Singapore, join us on this rewarding journey!